Acting as a Craft (AAAC)

The “Acting As A Craft” (AAAC) workshops are uniquely designed master class workshops incorporating a broad range of basic skills that an actor absolutely needs.

Students will be given scene assignments from various film and stage plays and then paired up to work that particular scene as a homework assignment which will then be performed at the next scheduled class. These assignments are carefully designed to address whatever the students need to move forward in relation to their particular developmental stage.

In this workshop, students will be trained in:

• Scene Study - learning how to break down the authors writings into a strong sense of “truth”. Not just playing the part, but rather living it.
  
• The Road Map - a clear comprehensive process needed to break down all the elements during script analysis, which includes the process of working “moment to moment” instead of “line to line”.
  
• Character Development - master the creation of a character. Learn to use the many parts of the inner life force of a particular character and finding the elements that make up that character. This addresses the “If I Were This Character” concept.
  
• Improvisations - using improv to support the other aspects of performance such as character development. Also using the techniques to free the student of self-judgment and inhibitions that may hinder the ability to completely submerse themselves into a character or moment.
  
• Emotional Recall - Learning the skill of using emotions from past experiences, recalling those feelings and applying them to the actors work.
  
• Sense Memory - All 5 senses have memory. Over the years, some (if not most) of them have been numbed. The process of bringing them back to life, making them more reactive to even the slightest stimulation. The student learns to give their character experience a more reactive sense.
  
• Monologues - although there's a separate class targeting effective monologue skills, there are situations where a student would have to work alone. In these instances, a student may be assigned a monologue as class assignment or to help solve a particular training issue.
  
• Cold Readings - Although there's a separate class targeting this skill, there are situations where a student would have to work alone. In these instances, a student may be assigned a cold reading as class assignment or to help solve a particular training issue.
  
• Introduction to Shakespeare - mainly to expose students to areas like "Scansion" which is the basic guide to effective performance. This also introduces them to elements such as speech rhythms, vocal pitch builds and rhythm in movement - the same teachings presented at The Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in the UK.
  
• Movement and Voice - Learn and master the skills of an effective performance by coordinating the three basic rhythms: speech, physical movement and the author's writings.
  
• Acting for the Camera and Stage - there are separate workshops targeting these techniques but this class will introduce students to the basic but very important differences in techniques.

Props and costumes are available for students to use on their performances. They can also utilize the facilities such as rehearsal rooms and stage areas for rehearsal of their class assignments.

The school will collect a one-time registration fee of $25 for first-time students.

Note: This is an on-going class one day or evening weekly. However, students may attend other classes in this category free of charge.